Chance me? I'll chance back

leftwichqb7
Fri, 23 Nov 2012 02:45:11 +0000

I think you have a wonderful resume.

With respect to the SAT, if you really want to send it in along with your phenomenal ACT score, then I’d retake it.

Your SAT is equivalent to a ~32 on the ACT, so if you could get that 2250 that you think you can get…then I’d recommend retaking it for the sake of consistency. I think if you have scores that are tantamount to one another, then that shows the way you’re tested doesn’t really matter - you’re just a boss, either way. ;)

Now, and I’m sure you know this, but Ivies can be a crap shoot. Even if you’re Jesus Christ, Ganesha, or the prophet Muhammed, there’s a strong chance you’re getting rejected.

On paper, you’re an unbelievable candidate. Thing is, there are thousands of others very similar to you in terms of resumes. Your essays and LORs are what’s going to be the difference.

When you write those essays, make sure you clearly exhibit why Penn is great for you and vice versa. Personally, I love layering different emotions into my essays. I like a touch of tongue-in-cheek humor with a gradual shift to my more serious side and the larger purpose of the essay. But hey, that’s my style and what I like to do to set me apart. Whatever you try to do, do not be cliche. Do not essentially say, “I want this more than anything,” or, “I’ve worked so hard, blah blah blah”. Yeah, we know. Every other applicant has done the same. However, a lot of applicants tend to write that snoozefest of an essay.

Don’t be that essay.

If you can align something from your upbringing - whether it be a positive experience or perhaps even a traumatic one - to your life and/or educational goals while maintaining a strong correlation to Penn or school X, you’ll definitely get in somewhere that’s exceptional.

And hey, if a couple of schools reject you (even your dream school) - no worries! You’re going to be successful no matter what, so chalk it up as a mistake on their part.

If you’d like, I’d be willing to provide you with feedback on your essay(s). I’m a senior in college that was just accepted to graduate school at Penn, so I’m not in competition with you, lol. It’s just something I like doing. I’d even share my personal statement with you for some guidance. Just send me a private message, if interested.

Good luck either way!

Remember, you’re a boss. =)